Greg Norman and Fred Couples revealed their 2011 Presidents Cup picks via a press conference call on Tuesday evening.
International captain Norman pleased the home fans by selecting Robert Allenby and Aaron Baddeley, while US captain Couples opted for Tiger Woods and the new FedEx Cup champion Bill Haas.
The two-time major champion Norman believes the decision to go with home blood will give the Internationals the edge when the biennial clash tees off at Royal Melbourne on November 17.
“Robert and Aaron are so excited and they can’t wait to get down there,” said Norman, who will be looking to regain the Presidents Cup for his side for the first time since 1998 at the same venue, Royal Melbourne.
“The environment is going to be so enthusiastic, especially with five Australians on the side. We also have a very strong southern hemisphere feel to the team with the likes of South African trio Ernie Els, Charl Schwartzel and Retief Goosen. The balance of my team looks very simplified in terms of pairings.
“But the Australians want to put the record straight for the International side and win a second Presidents Cup in their back yard, that’s for sure.”
Allenby, who is a member of Royal Melbourne Golf Club, echoed Norman’s sentiments.
“Playing at Royal Melbourne will be one of the biggest highlights of my career,” said Allenby, who will be competing in his sixth Presidents Cup.
“Melbourne is my favourite course in the world and I love it there. We have an extremely strong side and some of the guys are in really good form right now. The crowd will be key for us and I’m going to give the week 12 billion per cent.”
Meanwhile, Couples, who had already confirmed Woods’ appearance several weeks ago, admitted his final wildcard pick evolved around Haas and US PGA champion Keegan Bradley - with the former getting the nod.
“Bill simply got the pick because he won the Tour Championship,” confirmed the 1992 Masters champion Couples.
“Had he lost the playoff to Hunter Mahan, then Keegan Bradley would have likely got the spot.”
Not that Haas needed any more good news following his $11.4 million pay day at East Lake on Sunday, yet he gratefully received the call with open arms.
“I am honoured to be on the US team,” said three-time PGA Tour champion Haas, who is son of America’s vice captain, Jay.
“It’s a very special moment as it’s something I worked for at the beginning of the year. Fred has been someone I’ve looked up to and has been a good friend of my dad’s for a long time. I can’t wait to get down to Melbourne and compete in my first Presidents Cup match.”
Read more: golfmagic.com
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